Ruger American Rifle Generation II Prairie – .223 Rem, 20" Fluted Bull Barrel (46974)

The Prairie is the Gen II built for the job its name implies: sitting behind a rifle all day shooting small targets at variable distance. That means a 20" cold hammer-forged bull barrel with shallow spiral flutes to shed heat without the weight penalty, a 1:8" twist that stabilizes the heavier .223 bullets worth reaching out with, and a 10-round AR-style magazine so you're not feeding it one at a time when the shooting gets good. Finished in Smoked Bronze Cerakote over a black splatter Gen II stock. Ruger model 46974, UPC 736676469741.

The Barrel Does the Work

A bull contour barrel holds its point of impact as it heats — which is the entire problem with a sporter-weight varmint rifle on a good day. The shallow spiral fluting increases surface area for cooling while cutting some of the weight a bull profile costs you. It's cold hammer-forged, free-floated, and threaded 1/2"-28 with a Cerakoted thread protector installed, so a suppressor or brake goes on without a trip to a gunsmith.

Fits You, Not the Other Way Around

• Adjustable length of pull via spacer — 13.75" with the spacer installed, 12" with it removed.
• Removable comb — ships with a low comb, and other heights are available separately to match your scope height.
• Soft rubber recoil pad with a large heel radius so the gun mounts cleanly instead of catching.
• Splatter-textured stock for grip that doesn't depend on checkering staying sharp.

Action and Trigger

• Ruger Marksman Adjustable trigger, user-adjustable from 3 to 5 pounds.
• One-piece CNC-machined stainless bolt, three-lug, 70-degree throw — short enough to clear a low-mounted scope, with an oversized handle threaded 5/16"-24 for a custom knob.
• Three-position tang safety — locks the bolt in the rearmost position, and lets you load and unload with the safety engaged.
• Power Bedding integral bedding block for consistent action-to-stock fit.
• Factory-installed one-piece Picatinny scope base — no sights, no adapter to buy.

Ruger American Gen II Prairie Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it take AR magazines?
Ruger specs it as AR-Style with a 10-round magazine included.

Is the barrel threaded?
Yes — 1/2"-28, with a Cerakoted thread protector installed.

Can I adjust the stock?
Yes. Length of pull adjusts from 12" to 13.75" by removing or installing the spacer, and the low comb is removable with other heights sold separately.

What twist rate?
1:8" — fast enough for heavier .223 bullets, not just light varmint loads.

All firearm purchases must ship to a licensed FFL dealer. Manufacturer specifications are subject to change without notice.